I did my first gig with my new Compact this weekend, so I thought I would report.

I took delivery of the system direct from Bose about 10 days ago, and for the first few days I rehearsed with the guitar and microphone straight into the two inputs. I was satisfied enough with that sound that I will probably do some gigs that way. Strangely, I liked the sound on my Line 6 Variax better using the line setting on the input switch instead of the acoustic guitar preset

Friday and Saturday night‘s gig was in a venue that I had played in the past, but with new owners and in a newly enclosed patio area. I decided to use the Compact with the T1 allowing me to use my Porchboard and Digitech harmonizer, and enjoy the control that the T1 gives. The Porchboard into the Compact does not go “Boom, Boom” like it does with two B1’s, but still I got a respectable “Thump, Thump” that seemed to lay down a very decent bass rhythm.

Friday night was busy and full and the diners/drinkers were very loud. I got compliments on the sound and folks in the back said they could hear just fine.

Saturday night was not quiet so busy, but we had a loud group in the back, and a small listening group closer to the stage . Our friend Oldghm dropped in and did a few songs allowing me to get to the back and listen. Having his quality voice as a reference, I felt that the sound from the Compact was great. He graciously stayed long enough to help me roady out, (lots of stairs for this old man). We enjoyed some “musician talk”.

To sum up, I like the Compact very much, and foresee using it confidently in several different situations. Is it as big sounding as the Classic or Model 2 with B1’s? No, but with its light weight and small footprint, it will often be just right.

- Col. Andy, Nov. 9, 2009 -

full thread here